[Arnold-Chiari II malformation and basilar impression. Report of one case (a literature review)]

Abstract

Objective: To tell the rare association of Arnold-Chiari II malformation and basilar impression and to describe an exceptional clinical state with a particular surgical approach.

Materials and methods: To analyse a case of a patient suffering from this congenital malformation, her progressive clinical state, the surgical approach.

Results: N.G. a 42-year-old woman, suffers from a cerebello-spino-medullar disturbance responsible for a major dependence and respiratory insufficiency with a risk of death. The results of the surgical treatment meant to decompress the craniovertebral junction are exceptional.

Discussion: The analysis of the literature show the special feature of this case as much for the rarity of the diagnosis as for the progressive clinical state and the remarkable post operative result.

Conclusion: The association of these two malformations is seldom alluded to in the literature and such a post operative result has apparently never been described. In addition, this case tends to prove that a second operation's worth considering if the first has shown its short-fall whichever the patient's clinical state.